71x)
SABBATH-SCHOOL
Lesson Quarterly
Mountain View, Cal., October, 1909
[Entered as second-class matter October 13, 1904, at the Post-office in
Mountain View, Cal., under the Act of Congress of
March 3, 18791
No. 58
5 cents
Lessons on the
Life of Christ
For Senior Division
Fourth Quarter, 1909
October to December
Published by
Pacific Press Publishing Association
Mountain View, California
Recommendations on Sabbath-School Work Passed by the
General Conference, May 13 to June 6, 1909.
1. Whereas,
The
Sabbath School Worker
is a molding factor
in our Sabbath-schools, and it is the medium whereby Sabbath-
school laborers are kept in touch with progressive methods; there-
fore,
We Recommend,
That earnest efforts be made to place this
journal in the hands of every officer and teacher in our Sabbath-
schools.
Sabbath-School Home Department.
2.
Whereas,
The Home Department of the Saboath-school
has been established to meet the needs of our people who are
isolated from those of like precious faith ,. as well as those whom
circumstances prevent from attending the, local school; therefore,
We Recommend:
(a)
That the conference workers be urged to cooperate with
onf secretaries by strengthening this work by securing the names
and addresses of all isolated Sabbath-keepers within' their ter-
ritory, that they may be brought in touch with the progress .
of the message.
(b)
That we urge the carrying forward of this work more
fully in our local schools, thus bringing the vitalizing power of
the Sabbath-school lessons to the whole
-
denomination.
Sabbath-School Offerings to Missions
3.
Whereas,
Our Sabbath-schools need the blessed inspiration
of a real burden for mission fields, while opportunities to spread
the message in foreign lands are multiplying faster than their.
means; therefore,
We Recommend,
That our Sabbath-schools give all their do-
nations to missions, providing for their expenses in some other
way; and, further,
We Recommend,
That each conference pay the entire expenses
of the Sabbath-school departmental work without drawing upon
the Sabbath-school offerings given by the schools for missions.
Four Sabbath-schools were held during the General Conference.•
The largest attendance was 1
;
840. The total amount of gifts
to missions was $597.06.
Sabbath-School Lessons on the
LIFE OF CHRIST
LESSON I.—Jairus' baughtei.; the Afflicted Woman.
OCTOBER 2, 1909.
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Mark 5:21-43.
PARALLEL SCRIPTURES: Matt. 9:18-26; Luke 8:41-56.
•
LESSON HELPS
:
"Desire of Ages," chapter 36; " Spirit of
Prophecy," Vol. 2, chapter 27;
Sabbath School Worker.
PLACE: Capernaum.
PERSONS: Jairus and his daughter; the afflicted woman; the
multitude; the disciples.
Questions.
1.
After healing the demoniacs of Gadara, what did
Jesus do ? How was He received by the people ? Mark
5 : 21. Note 1.
2.
What ruler came unto Him ? What burden was
upen his heart? What request did he, make? Verses
22, 23.
'3. How did Jesus respond to this request? Who
followed Him.? Verse 24. Note 2.
THE AFFLICTED WOMAN.
4.
As Jesus "was on His way to the home of Jairus,
who among the multitude
.
touched Him? How long had
this woman been afflicted? Had earthly physicians been
able to heal her? Verses 25-27.
5.
What did she .have faith to believe Verse 28.
6.. What blessing came to her through the touch of
faith
g
Verse 29. Note 3. -
6
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
7.
What did Jesus at once know ? What question
-
did He ask? Verse 30. Note 4.
8.
What reply did the disciples make to the ques-
tion of Jesus? For whom did Jesus look ? What did the
woman do ? What did she say ?. Verses 31=33.
9.
What words of comfort did Jesus speak unto her?
What did He say had Made her whole ? Verse 34.
•
JAIRUS' DAUGHTER RAISED TO LIFE.
10.
What message came to Jairus concerning his
daughter as Jesus was on His way to the ruler's home ?
Verse 35.
11.
When Jesus heard this message, what did He say
to Jairus? Verse 36.
12.
How many disciples did Jesus permit to follow
Him to the home of Jairus? Verse 37. Compare Matt.
9: 19.
13.
What did He observe on arriving at the ruler's
house? Verse 38.
14.
What did He say to the people ? How were His
words received? What did He do with those who were
unbelieving? Whom did Jesus allow to witness the
miracle of the damsel's restoration to life? Verses 39,
40.
Luke 8 : 51.
15.
What did Jesus say to her who vas dead? Mark
5: 41. Note 5.
16.
•What was the result of His words? How were
those who witnessed the miracle affected? •How old
was the girl? Verse 42. Note 6..
17.
What charge did He give the parents? What did
He ask them to do for the girl? Verse 43. Note 7.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
Notes.
1.
Jesus does not force the Gospel upon any. The Gadarenes
being indifferent to the Gospel, He left them and went to the
other side of the Sea of Galilee, near Capernaum. Here the
people were more willing to hear His words. But the man
whom He had healed He left as a witness of His work in Gadarn.
2.
-
When Jesus was on earth, none were ever turned away empty
who came and asked help of Him. He deeply sympathized with
this father in his trouble, and responded at once to his request
for help. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, to-day, and for-
ever." Heb. 13:8. A. R. V. Jesus is just as' Willing to-day
to help those who are in trouble and who call upon Him in
faith, as when He walked the shores of the Galilee.
3.
"It is not enough to believe
about Christ;
we must be-
lieve in Him. The only faith that will benefit us is that which
embraces Him [Jesus] as a personal Saviour; which appro-
priates His merits to ourselves. Many hold faith, as an opinion.
Saving faith is a transaction, by which those who receive Christ
join themselves in covenant relation with God. Genuine faith
is life. A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding
trust, by which 'the soul becomes a conquering power."—"Desire
of Ages," page 347.
4.
The American Revised Version reads, "And . straightway
Jesus, perceiving in Himself that . the power proceeding from
Him had gone forth, turned Him about in the crowd, and said,
Who touched My garments?" Though she was unnoticed by
men, the Saviour recognized the touch of faith from this poor
woman. It is even so now. The touch of faith still brings healing
from disease, healing from sin.
5.
"Talitha Cumi.— This
is mere Syriac, the proper trans-
lation of which the evangelist has given."—
Dr. Adam Clarke.
6.
Note the power which is in the words of Christ. " Such
is the Gospel call to those who are by nature dead in trespasses
and sins, and can no more rise from that death by their own
power, than this child; and yet the command, Awake, and arise
from the dead, is neither vain nor in vain; there follows im-
mediately, Christ shall give thee light."—Tfenry
and Scott.
7.
The Lord here gives us an example of hOw He desires
to cooperate With us in helping others. He raised the girl to
life; this was something the parents could not do. He might
have given her food also, but this He asked them to do.
8
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
LESSON II.— Blind Men Healed; Dumb Spirit Cast
Out; Jesus Rejected at Nazareth; His Third
Visit to Galilee; the Twelve Sent Forth.
OCTOBER 9, 1909.
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Matt. 9:27 to 10 :15; Mark 6:1-13.
PARALLEL SCRIPTURES: Matt. 13:54-58; Luke 9:1-6.
LESSON HELPS: "Desire of Ages," chapters 37, 38;
Sab-
bath School Worker.
PLACES: Capernaum; Nazareth; Galilee.
PERSONS: Two blind men; a dumb man; the Pharisees; the
twelve disciples.
Questions.
TWO BLIND MEN HEALED.
•
1. After the healing of Jairus' daughter, who fol.
lowed Jesus? What request did they make ? • Matt.
9 : 27.
2.
What question did
.
Jesus ask them? What was
their reply ? What did Jesus do? Verses 28, 29. Note .1.
3.
What was the result of Jesus' word? What did
He charge them? How was His request disregarded?
Verses 30, 31. Note 2.
A DUMB SPIRIT CAST OUT.
4.
Who was next brought to Jesus for healing? Verse
32.
5.
What did Jesus do ? How were the people af-
fected ? What did they say ? What did the Pharisees
say? Verses 33, 34. Note 3.
JESUS AGAIN VISITS NAZARETH.
6.
Where did Jesus next go ? Who accompanied
Him ? Mark 6 :1.
7.
What did He do on the Sabbath ? How did His
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
9
words affect the people? How did they express their
unbelief ? Verses 2, 3.
8.
How did the Saviour rebuke them for their un-
belief ?. Verse 4.
9.
How was His work hindefed? At what was Jesus
astonished? Verses 5, 6.
CIRCUIT THROUGH GALILEE.
10.
Where did Jesus teach? What did He preach?
What miracles were wrought? Matt. 9 : 35. •
11.
How did He feel toward the people? Why?
Verse 36.
12.
What did He say to His disciples? For what
did He tell them to pray ? Verses 37, 38. Note 4.
THE TWELVE SENT FORTH.
13.
When Jesus sent forth the twelve apostles whom
He had chosen, what did He bestow upon them? Matt.
10 : 1; Luke 9: 1.
14.
NaMe the twelve disciples sent forth. Matt.
10 : 2-4.
15.
Where did He tell them to go? Verses 5, 6.
16.
What message were they to proclaim? What
miracles did Jesus say would be manifest in their work?
Verses 7, 8.
17.
What instruction did Jesus
g
ive them concerning
temporal matters. Verses 9, 10.
18.
When they entered a city, for what did Jesus tell
His disciples to ask? What were they to do? Verse 11.
19.
Upon entering a house, what were they to do ?
If found worthy, what blessing was to be upon the
house ? Verses 12, 13. Note 5.
10
SABBATH-SCHOOL LEWIN QUARTERLY
20. If the people did not receive them, what were
they to do? What would be the result of rejecting the
gospel message sent? Verses 14, 15.
Notes.
1.
The limit of what
G
od can do for us is simply the limit
of our faith. "And Jesus said unto him, If thou canst! All
things are possible to him that believeth." Mark 9:23. A. R. V.
2.
He [Jesus] wished to be saved from all unnecessary pub-
licity, that He might the more effectually prosecute His ministry,
and so avoid unnecessarily awakening the opposition of the Jews;
but such a light could not be hid."—Dr.
Adam Clarke.
3.
"Light comes to the soul through God's word, through
His servants, or by the direct agency of His Spirit; but when
one ray of light is disregarded, there is a partial benumbing
of the spiritual perceptions, and the second revealing of light
is less clearly discerned. So the darkness increases, until it is
night in the soul. Thus it had been with these Jewish leaders.
They were convinced that a divine power attended Christ, but
in order to resist the truth, they attributed the work of the
Holy Spirit to Satan. In doing this they deliberately chose de-
ception; they yielded themselves to Satan, and henceforth they
were controlled by his power." `Desire
of Ages," page 3'2.
4.
"Jesus had now been among the people long enough to
see their wretched condition spiritually, to detect their misdi-
rected yearnings, and their dissatisfaction with the religious in-
struction they were receiving, and also to discover the entire
unfitness of their teachers for the work of instruction and saving
them. They were like sheep, incapable of caring for themselves,
but capable of being turned and led into right ways. But who
should do all this? An extensive harvest waited to be garnered,
but who shall do the work' Very few were able to engage in it.
The Lord of the harvest alone could raise
❑
p and send forth
the needed laborers."—Dr.
Adam Clarke.
Now,
as then, the people are without a shepherd, and the very
last hours of probation are drawing near. The harvest of
the earth is nearly ripe, and is soon to be gathered. In a special
sense should the people of the Lord earnestly pray at this time
that the Lord of the harvest will raise up laborers and send
them forth into the field to give the last call of salvation,/
5.
"Peace,,among the Hebrews, had a very extensive meaning
— it comprehended all blessings, spiritual and temporal. To
wish peace to a family, in the name and by the authority of
Christ, was in effect a positive promise, on the Lord's side, of
SABBATH-SCHOOL UESSON QUARTERLY
11
all the good implied in the wish. This was paying largely
even beforehand. If the house be worthy — if that family shall
be found lto
-
be proper for a preacher to lodge, in, and the master
ready td embrace the message of salvation,
your peace,
the bless-
ings you have prayed for, shall Come upon
,
the family; God will
prosper them in their bodies, souls, and substance."—
Dr. Adam
Clarke.
LESSON 111.—Instruction to the Twelve—(Continued).
OCTOBER
16, 1909.
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Matt. 10:16 to 11:1.
LESSON HELPS: " Desire of Ages," chapter 37;
Sabbath
School Worker.
PLACE: Galilee.
PERSONS : Jesus and the twelve disciples.
Questions.
1.
Among whom are the disciples of Jesus sent?
What admonition is given those who are sent? Verse 16.
2.
Of whom were they to beware? Why? Verses
17, 18.
3.
Before whom were they to be brought? Why?
For what need they take no thought ? Through what
agency would they speak? Verses 19, 20. Note 1.
4.
How will those who believe the Gospel be re-
garded by the world ? What division will the Gospel
sometimes make in the household? What will our own
kindred sometimes be led to do? Who only will be
saved? Verses 21, 22, 34-36. Note 2.
5.
When persecuted, what were the disciples in-
structed to do? Verse 23.
6.
What humble position should disciples of Christ
12
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
occupy ?. What reproach may they expect ? Verses 24,
25.
7.
What is said concerning the secret things of life?
How openly will the truth Jesus taught
.
His disciples
be made known? Verses 26, 27.
8.
Whom only should we fear
-
? Verse 28.
9.
What forcible illustration is given concerning the
care of our heavenly Father for us? Verses 29-31.
Note 3.
10.
What promise is made to those
-
who confess Jesus
by godly lives ? What is said of those who deny Him ?
Verses 32, 33.
11.
How complete must be our surrender of the things
of this life in order to be true disciples of Jesus ?
Verses 37-39. Note 4.
12.
What blessing is promised to those receiving a
messenger -sent by the Lord? Verses _40, 41.
•
13. What assurance is given that the smallest acts
in life will be rewarded? Verse 42.
14. When Jesus had finished this instruction to His
disciples, what did He do ? Matt. 11.: 1.
Notes.
1.
Daily the servant of the Lord should be studying the great
themes of the Gospel, and filling the mind with the mighty
truths of God's word. Then when asked fora reason of his faith,
whether before judges or councils, or whether in trial by the
adversary of our souls, the Holy Spirit will bring to the mind
the very promises of the Word that are needed. To bring to
our remembrance the words of the Lord is the work of the
Holy Spirit. John 14:26.
2.
The martyrs have not all been burned at the stake nor
have they all died in dungeons. Some are in homes suffering for
the truth's sake. As a result ,of obeying God and walking in
the
light, wives have borne persecution from husbands, and bus-
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
13
hands from wives, and parents from children. To
stand true
to God under such circumstances takes a martyr's spirit and a
heart made strong by the love of God. Though the Gospel is a
Gospel of peace to those who receive it, its rejection often causes
suffering and sorrow. But the Lord admonishes His people under
all circumstances to stand without wavering. Those who as
good soldiers endure to the end will be saved.
3.
God's greatness is seen in His care for the most minute
objects of His creation as well as in making and upholding
worlds. Not a sparrow is uncared for by Him. If one falls, He
sees it. Even the hairs of our head are numbered! This reveals
a most wonderful and intimate knowledge of God concerning us.
Small comfort this for hypocrites and lukewarm professors; but
for the trusting child of God it brings peace, and banishes from
the heart all needless anxiety and worry. "Casting all your
care upon Him, for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7.
4.
To save man Jesus gave up all. Phil. 2:5-8. To follow
Jesus we also must give up all. "In this way, then, every one
from ainong you who is not bidding adieu to all his own. goods
can not be My disciples." Luke 14:33.—
Rotherhant's Translation.
LESSON IV.— Death of John the Baptist.
OCTOBER 23, 1909.
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Mark 6:14-29.
PARALLEL. SCRIPTURES:
Matt.
14:1-13; Luke 9:7-9.
LESSON HELPS: ''Desire of Ages," chapter 22;
Sabbath
School Worker.
PERSONS: _Herod; John the Baptist; Herodias, wife of Herod's
brother; Philip; Salome, Herodias' daughter.
Questions.
1.
How did King Herod try to account for the mi-
raculous work of Jesus Mark 6 : 14, 16. Note 1.
2.
What explanation did others offer? Verse 15.
3.
Why had Herod imprisoned John the Baptist?
Verse 17. Note 2.
14
SABBATH-SCHOOL UESSON QUARTERLY
4.
What had aroused the hatred of Herodias against
John ? Verses 18, 19. Note 3.
5.
How did Herod regard John?.Why? Verse 20.
DEATH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST.
6.
What promise did Herod make the daughter of
Herodias on his birthday? Verses 21-23. Note 4.
7.
What request did Herodias instruct her daughter
to make ? Verse 24.
8.
What did Salome ask of Herod? Verse 25.
Note 5.
9.
How did Herod feel concerning her request?
Verse 26.
10.
What did he do immediately ? Verse 27.
11.
What was done with the head of John the Baptist?
Verse 28.
12.
What did John's disciples do ? Verse 29. '
13.
To whom did they go for comfort ? Matt. 14 : 12.
14.
What testimony did Jesus bear concerning John ?
Luke 7 : 24-28. Compare Luke 1 : 15. Note 6.
Notes.
1.
"The Herod who killed John the Baptist was not Herod
the Great who built the temple and slew the children of Beth-
lehem. Herod Antipas was the son of Herod the Great by
Malthace, a Samaritan.
His
father had originally destined him
as his successor in the kingdom,
but by the last change of his
will, appointed him 'tetrarch of Galilee and Perea' (Matt. 14:1;
Luke 3:19; 9:7; Acts 13:1; Luke 3:1.) He first married .a
daughter of Aretas, King of Arabia Petra a, but after some time
he made overtures of marriage to Herodias, the wife of his half-
brother, Herod Philip I, which she received favorably. Aretas,
indignant at the insult offered to his daughter, found a pretext
for invading the territory of Herod, and• defeated him with
great loss."
—"Smith's Bible Dictionary." Art. Herod.
2.
"The place of John's imprisonment was the castle of
Machwrus, a frontier fortress between Perea and Arabia, and
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
15
where all the transactions of the following narrative tool
-
place."
—Dr. Adam Clarke.
3.
Sinners do not like to be reproved for their wrong-doing,
but John dealt faithfully with sin wherever found. He did
not spare even the king.
4.
'Herod's birthday — either the day on which he was born
or the day on which he began to reign; for both were termed
birthdays.
'—Dr. Adam Clarke.
5.
"The word 'charger' formerly signified a large dish, bowl,
or platter."—Id.
,
"For the sake of thousands who in after years must pass
from prison to death, John was to drink the cup of martyrdom.
As the followers of Jesus should languish in lonely cells, or
perish by the sword, the rack, or the fagot, apparently forsaken
by God and man, what a stay to their hearts would be the
thought that John the Baptist, to whose faithfulness Christ
Himself had borne witness, had passed through a similar ex-
perience."
"Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who
ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than
John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon."—"Desire
of Ages," pages 224, 225.
LESSON V.— Apostles Return to Jesus; Five Thou-
sand Fed; Jesus Walking on the Sea.
OCTOBER 30, 1909.
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Mark 6:30-56; John 6:1-21.
PARALLEL SCRIPTURES: Matt. 14:14-36; Luke 9:10-17.
LESSON HELPS: "Desire of Ages," chapters 38-40;
Sab-
bath School Worker.
PLACES: Near Bethsaida; Sea of. Galilee.
PERSONS: Jesus; the disciples; the multitude.
Questions.
APOSTLES RETURN TO JESUS.
1.
On returning from their missionary tour, what
did
-
the disciples tell Jesus? Mark 6 : 30.
2.
Seeing their need of rest, what did He say to
16
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
them ? ' Why ? Where did they go ? Verses 31, 32.
Note 1. .
•
3.
When the people saw them departing, what did
they do? How did Jesus feel concerning the people?
Why? . What help did He give them? Verses 33, 34.
FIVE THOUSAND FED.
4.
Near the close' of the day what request did the
disciples make ? Verses 35, 36.
5.
What question did 'Jesus ask Philip? John 6: 5.
Why ? Verse 6. How did Philip reply ? Verse 7.
Note 2.
6.
What further question did Jesus ask ? Mark
6: 38. How did these loaves and fishes happen to be
there ? John 6 : 8, 9.
7.
What did Jesus ask that the people do? In what
order did they sit down ? Mark 6 : 39, 40.
8.
What did Jesus then do? How much remained
after all had eaten ? Verses 41-43. Note 3:
9.
How many were supplied with food by this mira-
cle ? Verse 44. Compare Matt. 14 : 21. How were the
people affected by this miracle? John 6 : 14, 15. Note 4:
JESUS WALKING ON THE SEA.
10.
Where did Jesus at once request His disciples to
go ? Mark 6 : 45.
H. Having sent the people away, what did He (10?
Where were His disciples? Verses 46, 47. Note 5.
12. What experience did the disciples haVe on the
sea ? What did Jesus do ? Verse 48. Compare Matt.
14: 25. Note 6.
12. How did His presence affect the disciples? What
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
17
comforting words did Jesus speak unto them? Mark
6: 49, 50. Note 7.
14.
What request did Peter make? Matt. 14: 28.
Note 8.
15.
What did Jesus say to him? Relate Peter's ex-
perience. How did Jesus rebuke him for his unbelief ?
Verses 29-.31. Note 9.
16.
In what state of mind were the disciples when
Jesus entered the ship? Why ? Mark 6: 51, 52. Note 10.
17.
'Where did they land? What blessings did Jesus
bring to the people of this region? Verses 53-56.
Notes.
1.
The "desert place" to which Jesus retired for rest was not
a barren, desolate region. Matthew tells us there was grass there
(Chap. 14:19), John says there was
mueh
grass (Chap. 6:10),
and Mark says that the grass was
green
(Chap. 6:3,9). They
went to a quiet, sparsely populated region to be away from the
people, in order that they- might find needed rest.
2.
The Saviour had been performing miracles throughout the
day. His question was doubtless intended to try Philip's faith,
and to see whether he and the other disciples had paid proper
attention to the miracles which they had already witnessed, and
to direct their attention in a special manner to the great miracle
He was about to perform.
3.
Five loaves and two fishes seemed but little. Philip
said, "What are they among so many?" But Jesus said, "Bring
them hither to Me." Matt. 14:18. He was able to feed the
multitude with the little they had. We may learn a lesson from
this. Our talents may be meager, but if we bring them to Jesus
He can use them, and multiply bread for the hungry multitude
who are perishing for the bread of life.
"Gather up the fragments that remain." Though able to
create bread by a word, Jesus taught them a striking lesson in
carefulness and economy.
4.
"The Jews had often suffered by famine in those times
in which their enemies were permitted to prevail over them; but
finding that Jesus had such power as to multiply a few loaves
to feed thousands, they took it for granted that while He was
at their head no evil could possibly happen to them, and there-
18
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
fore were determined immediately to proclaim Him king. Our
Lord- perceiving this, either by some words which—they--had
dropped or by His penetration of their hearts, retired—befere
the project had been-fully-formed,-or• could be put-into-execu-
tion."Dr.
Adam Clarke.
5.
The life of Jesus was crowded with labor and responsi-
bility as no other
life
has ever been•
'
yet He took time to pray.
Read Mark 1:35; Luke 5:15, 16; 6:12. "In Christ the cry
of humanity reached the Father of infinite pity. As a man He
supplicated the throne of God, till His humanity was charged with
a' heavenly current that should connect humanity with Divinity.
Through continual communion He received life from God, that He
might impart life to the world. His experience is to be ours."
—"Desire of Ages," page 863.
6.
Jesus came to His disciples "in the fourth watch of the
night." The fourth watch began at 3 A.M.
7.
"It is I; be not afraid." It is thus that Jesus ever seeks
to comfort those who are buffeted with the storms of this life.
To every troubled heart He says, "I am with you
alway,
even
unto the end of the world."
8.
Notice Peter's words, "If it be Thou." They express
doubt. Jesus had just said He was present, but Peter could not
understand .how He could be there, or how He could walk on
the water. But "if it be Thou," if You are really here, Lord,
prove it; let me also walk on the water. To anxious, doubting
Peter the Lord gave the required evidence.
9.
So long as Peter kept his eyes on the Saviour, he walked
on the water. But when he began looking at the other disciples,
and on his surroundings, he began to sink. It is ever .so in our
experience.
10.
The disciples had forgotten the miracle of the loaves. How
quickly we too forget the wonderful providences of God in our
behalf, and grope in doubt and unbelief.
LESSON VI.— The Bread of Life.
NOVEMBER 6, 1909.
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
John 6:22-71.
LESSON HELPS: "Desire of Ages," chapter 41;
Sabbath
School Worker.
PLACE : Capernaum.
PERSONS: Jesus; the disciples; the people.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
19
Questions.
1.
The next day after the feeding of the five thou--
sand, what did the people do ? To what place did they
go in search of Jesus? When they found Hiin what
question did they ask ? John 6 : 22-25.
2.
Why did Jesus say they were seeking Him? What
did He .exhort them to do? Verses 26, 27. Note 1.
3.
What question did they ask in reply? How did
Jesus define the work of God ? Verses 28, 29.
4.
What did they ask as evidence that they might
believe ? What scripture did they cite as proof of their
position ? What explanation did Jesus give of the
bread of life? Verses 30-33. Note 2.
•
5. On hearing His words, for what did they ask?
Verse 34.
6.
What did Jesus declare the bread of life to be?
What did He say would be the experience of those who
believe on Him? Who did He say would come to Him ?_
For what purpose did Jesus say He came into the world?.
What is the will of His Father ? Verses 35-40.
7.
Concerning what did the Jews murmur? What
argument did they advance as an expression of unbelief?
Verses 41, 42.
8.
Who only did Jesus say could come to Him? To
what scripture did He refer them? Who alone has
seen the Father ? Verses 43-46.
9.
How can everlasting life be obtained? What
further explanation 'did Jesus make concerning the
bread of life? For whom did He say this bread was
given? Verses 47-51.
20
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
. 10. What statement seemed especially hard for the
Jews to understand? Verse 52.
11.
What further light did Jesus , give concerning
eating His flesh and drinking His blood? Verses 53-58.
Note 3.
12.
Where was Jesus teaching at this time? Verse 59.
13.
What did the unbelieving Jews say concerning
.the things they had heard? Verse 60.
14.
In response to their murmuring, what questions
did Jesus ask them? Verses 61, 6?.
15.
What contrast is drawn between the flesh and the
spirit? What did Jesus say His words -were? With
what did lie charge those who had heard His words?
What statement is made concerning the foreknowledge
of Jesus? Verses 63-65. Note 4.
16.
As a result of His teaching, what did many of His
followers do? Verse 66. Note 5.
17.
What searching question did He ask His dis-
ciples? Verse 67.
18.
What was Peter's reply ? Verses 68, 69. •
19.
What sad announcement did Jesus make concern-
ing one of His disciples? Of whom did He speak ?
Verses 70, 71.
Notes.
1.
Having seen His wonderful miracle, the people were follow-
ing Jesus hoping to receive some temporal benefit. But je'sus
sought to turn their minds away from the perishing things of life
by pointing them to the true bread, which if they would eat,
they would live forever,
2.
''They had already seen the miracle of the five loaves, and
did not believe; and it was impossible for them to see anything
more descriptive of unlimited power and goodness. Even miracles
themselves are lost on persons whose hearts are fixed on the per-
. ABBATH-SCTIOOT, 'LESSON QUARTERLY'
21
ishing things of the world, and whose minds are filled with
prejudice against the truth. Their argument seemed to run thus:
Thou hast, we grant; fed five thousand men with five loaves and
two small fishes; but what is . this in comparison with what
Moses did in the desert, who for forty years fed more than a
million persons with bread from heaven? Do something like this,
and then we will believe on Thee, as we have believed on Moses."
•
—
Dr. Adam Clarke.
3.
"To eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ is to
receive Him as a personal Saviour, believing that He forgives our
sins, and that we are complete in
Him."—"Desire of Ages,"
page 389.
4.
"The words I
have
spoken." John 6:63, A. R. V. Not
some new point of doctrine I am about to reveal, but the words
I have just spoken concerning My being the living bread, they are
eternal life. There is eternal life abiding in these words for us
at this time.
5.
"By the public rebuke of their unbelief these disciples were
still further alienated from Jesus. They were greatly displeased;
and wishing to wound the Saviour and gratify the malice of the
Pharisees, they turned their backs upon Him, and left Him with
disdain. They had made their choice,— had taken the form with-
out the Spirit, the husk without the kernel. Their decision was
never afterward reversed; for they walked no more with Jesus."
—"Desire of Ages," page 393.
LESSON VII.—Vain Tradition; the Syrophenician's
Daughter Healed.
NOVEMBER
13, 1909.
LESSON SCRIPTURE : Marl 7:1-30.
PARALLEL SCRIPTURE : Matt. 15:1-28. -
LESSON HELPS: "Desire of Ages," chapters 42, 43;
Sab-
bath School Worker.
PLACES: The land of Gennesaret; borders of Tyre and Sidon.
PERSONS: Jesus; the disciples; a delegation of Pharisees and
scribes from Jerusalem; the multitude about Gennesaret; the Syro-
phenician woman and her daughter.
22
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
Questions.
VAIN TRADITION..
1.
Who came to Jesus from Jerusalem ? What did
they evidently come to do? What question did they
ask Jesus ? Mark 7 : 1, 2 ; Matt. 15 : 1, 2. Note 1.
2.
What traditions were the Pharisees and Jews strict
in observing? Mark 7: 3, 4.
3.
What reply did Jesus make to the question of
the scribes and Pharisees? Verses 5, 6.
4.
What did Jesus say about the worship of those
who observed the traditions of men? What 'is laid
aside when these traditions, are held? Verses 7, 8.
Note 2.
5.
With what words of rebuke did Jesus further ad-
dress these spying Pharisees?, What commandment of
God did He accuse them of setting aside to keep their
tradition? In explaining their tradition setting aside
duty to parents, what did Jesus say ? Verses 9-13.
Note 3.
6.
After silencing the spies from the Pharisees, what
did Jesus do? What did He say to the people about
defilement ? Verses 14-16.
7.
When alone with Jesus, what request did the
disciples make ? Verse 17.
8.
What question of surprise did Jesus ask ? What
instruction, in the form of a question, did Jesus give
the disciples? Verses 18, 19.
9.
From what place proceeds that which defiles a
man ? What are some of the things 'God sees in the
heart which defile the soul.? Verses 20-23.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
23
THE SYROPHENICIAN 'S DAUGHTER HEALED
10.
Where did Jesus now go ? What was His desire
concerning His visit to this place? Was His desire real-
ized? Verse 24. Note 4.
11.
Who came to Jesus at this time? To what nation
did this woman belong? What trouble lay upon her
heart? Verses 25, 26.
12.
How did Jesus at first treat her request? What
did the disciples urge Him to do? Matt. 15:23.
13.
With what statement did Jesus break His silence ?
How did His words affect the woman ? Verses 24, 25.
Note 5.
14.
How did Jesus still further test this woman's
faith ? Mark 7 : 27.
15.
What reply did she in her sorrow make? Verse
28. -
16.
How did Jesus commend the faith of this afflicted
mother? What assurance did He give her concerning
her daughter? State the result. Matt. 15 : 28 ; Mark
7 : 30.
Notes.
1.
From the questions of these scribes and Pharisees, it seems
plain they came to Jesus to find fault, and to seek to entrap
Him in His talk, that they might have something whereof to
accuse Him before the rulers at Jerusalem.
2.
These words of Christ apply with equal force to the tradi-
tions of the "fathers" to-day as to those then held by the Jews.
Of man-made traditions, Jesus said, "Every plant which My
heavenly Father bath not planted, shall be rooted up." To ob-
serve such traditions, the commandment of God must be set
aside. How literally is the fourth commandment of the law set
'aside to-day, that a tradition of the "fathers," with much re-
ligious zeal and devotion, may be observed! All such worship
Christ declares to be "in vain." "The words of Christ were
an arraignment of the whole system of Pharisaism. He declared
24
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
that by placing their requirements above the divine precepts, the
rabbis were setting themselves • above
God."—"Desire of Ages,"
page 397.
3.
" ' They [the disciples] neglect only a ceremony introduced
by men,' retorted Jesus; 'but how conies it that you, who know
the law, transgress commands which are not of man, but from
God Himself? How comes it that, for the sake of traditions
invented by the rabbis, you set aside the most explicit commands
of God? He has, for example, said that we must honor our
father and mother, and support and care for them in old age.
He has declared it worthy of death for any one to deny his par-
ents due reverence, or to treat them harshly or with neglect. But
you have invented a doctrine which absolves children, in many
cases, from this commandment. "If any one," says your
tradition,
"is
asked by his parents for a gift or help, for their benefit, he has
only to say that he has vowed that very part of his means to the
temple, and they can not press him further to contribute to their
support." How cunningly have you circumvented God's law!
How easy is it for any one to break it, and affect a zeal for re-
ligion in doing so!' "—
Geikie's "Life of Christ," Vol. 1, p. 197.
4.
From this point on until the close of Jesus' ministry,
He sought not public places; but, through the hatred of the
Pharisees, was driven to th more secluded sections of the
country. But His fame had spread throughout all the region
round about, and all who came to Him for relief from the heavy
biirdens of sin and physical suffering, were tenderly received by
Him, and healed of their infirmities.
5.
"Jesus received the importunities of this representative of .a
despised race in the same manner as the Jews would have done;
this was not only to prove the faith and sincerity of the woman,
but also to teach His disciples a lesson of mercy, that they might
not be at a loss how to act in similar cases after Jesus should
leave them and they could no longer go to Him for personal
counsel. Jesus designed that they should be impressed with the
contrast between the cold and heartless manner in which the
Jews would treat such a case, as evinced by His reception of the
woman, and the compassionate manner in which He would have
them deal with such distress, as manifested by His subsequent
granting of her petition in the healing of he- daughter."—"Spirit
of Prophecy," Vol. 2, page 802.
SABBATH-SCHOOL IJESSON QUARTERLY
25
LESSON VIII.— Healing the People; Four Thousand
Fed; Seeking a Sign.
NOVEMBER 20, 1909.
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Mark 7:31 to 8:12.
PARALLEL SCRIPTURE: Matt. 15:2i to 16:4.
LESSON HELPS: "Desire of Ages," chapter 44;
Sabbath
School Worker.
PLACES : A mountain desert place in the region of Decapolis,
near Gergesa, where the demoniacs were healed; from thence
across the lake to Magdala, in Galilee, at the southern end of
the plain of Gennesaret.
PERSONS: Jesus; the disciples; deaf man with an impediment
in his speech; a multitude of above four thousand; an unbelieving
delegation of Pharisees.
Questions.
HEALING THE PEOPLE.
1.
On returning from Tyre and Sidon, to what place
did Jesus go? As He went up into a mountain near
the sea, who came unto Him? What did the people
bring to Him? What did He do for these afflicted
ones? Mark 7: 31 ; Matt. 15 : 29, 30.
2.
With what was one of those brought unto Jesus
afflicted? What did the friends of the man beseech
the Lord to do? Mark 7 : 32.
3.
Describe the manner in which Christ proceeded
to relieve his infirmities. Verses 33, 34.
4.
What immediate change took place? After the
miracle, What charge did Jesus give? How were His
directions obeyed? Verses 35, 36.
5.
What did the people say about Jesus' work at
this time ? Verse 37.
26
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
FEEDING THE FOUR THOUSAND.
6.
What is said of the size of the multitude gathered
about Jesus? How did Jesus regard the people? How
long had they remained with Him listening to His teach-
ing ? Mark 8 : 1, 2.
7.
What did He say would result should He send
them away hungry? Why? Verse 3.
8.
What question arose in the minds of the dis-
ciples ? Verse 4. Note 1.
9.
What question did Jesus ask His disciples? What
was their reply ? Verse 5.
10.
What did Christ then command ? What did He
do ? To whom did Jesus give the food? What did the
disciples do with it ? Verses 6, 7.
11.
What is said regarding the sufficiency of the
food provided by Jesus ? How many fragments re-
mained? Verse 8.
12.
How many were present on this occasion ? Verse
9
:
Compare Matt. 15: 38.
•
SEEKING A SIGN.
13.
After feeding the multitude, where did Jesus go ?
Mark 8: 10; Matt. 15: 39. Note 2.
14.
Who came unto Him? What did these Pharisees
want ? Mark 8: 11. What answer did Jesus give them ?
Matt. 16 : 1-3.
15.
What did Jesus say of that generation that re-
quired a sign ? To the preaching of what prophet did
the Lord refer as furnishing a profitable lesson for His
own generation? What definite answer did Christ give
regarding a sign? Matt, 16 : 4 ; Mark 8 : 12. Note 3.
SAEBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY -
27
Notes.
1.
The disciples should have recalled at this time how, on a
former occasion, Jesus, by blessing a few loaves and fishes, fed
the five thousand. But they did not. "Again the disciples re-
vealed their unbelief. At Bethsaida they had seen how, with
Christ's blessing, their little store availed for the feeding of the
multitude; yet they did not now bring forward their all, trusting
His power to multiply it for the hungry crowds. Moreover, those
whom He fed at Bethsaida were Jews; these were Gentiles and
heathen. Jewish prejudice was still strong in the hearts of the
disciples, and they answered Jesus, 'Whence can a man satisfy
these men with bread here in the wilderness?'
"—"Desire of
Ages," page 405.
2.
Magdala was on the west side of the sea, in Galilee itself.
In this country Jesus had performed His most remarkable
miracles, and He was well known. He again meets the cold un-
belief of the scribes and Pharisees, in marked contrast to His
welcome among the heathen people about Gadara and in the
coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And He remained only a short time in
this place.
3.
" As the preaching of Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites,
so Christ's preaching was a sign to His generation. But what
-a Contrast in the reception of the word! The people of the
great heathen city trembled as they heard the. warning from God.
Kings and nobles humbled themselves; the high and the lowly
together cried to the God of heaven, and His mercy was granted
unto them." "Every miracle that Christ performed was a sign
of His divinity. He was doing the very work that had been fore-
told of the Messiah; but to the Pharisees sthese works of mercy
were a positive
offense."—"Desire of Ages," page 406.
A most profitable lesson is furnished the last generation in
the answer Christ gave the unbelieving Pharisees. That genera-
tion' lived in the blazing light of truth taught by the divine Son
of God Himself, and thus enjoyed what kings and prophets of for-
mer generations had longed to see and hear, but had not. Through
hardness of heart, these glorious truths were rejected. So now,
through the third angel's message, light is shining from God's
word in almost dazzling brightness. When men turn
from truth,
there is nothing more that heaven can do for them. 'When the
message of truth is presented in our day, there are many who,
like the Jews, cry, Show us a sign. Work us a miracle.'
To
such is applicable what Jesus said to the Pharisees in the parable
of the rich man and Lazarus: "If they hear not Moses and the
prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from
the dead." Luke 16:31.
28
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON
MJARTEitLit
LESSON IX.— Jesus Teaching His Disciples.
NOVEMBER 27, 1909.
LESSON SCRIPTURE
: Matt.
16:5-27.
PARALLEL TEXTS: Mark 8:13-39; Luke 12:1-12.
LESSON HELPS:
"
Desire of Ages," chapter 45;
Sabbath
School Worker.
PLACES: Magdala, on the sea; Bethsaida, near where the
miracle of feeding the live thousand was wrought; region of
CNsarea Philippi.
Questions.
1.
In departing from Galilee, what had the disciples
forgotten ? Against what did Jesus warn them? Matt.
16:5, 6.
2.
To what did the disciples think He referred?
Verse 7.
3.
When He perceived their thoughts, what did He
say? Of what remarkable miracles did He remind them?
What must have been Jesus' design in asking these
pointed questions? Verses 8-10. Note 1.
4.
What further question revealed Jesus' surprise?
What did the disciples then understand? Verses 11, 12.
5.
When alone with the disciples, what important
question did He ask them? Verse 13. Note 2.
6.
Who did the disciples say the people thought
He was? VerSe 14.
7.
What direct question did Jesus then ask His
disciples? What was.Peter's reply? Verses 15, 16.
Note 3.
8.
How did Jesus say that Peter had received this
important truth? By whom had it been revealed? Verse
17.
. SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
29
9.
Upon- what did Jesus say He would build His
church? How enduring will it be? Verse 18. Note 4.
10.
Who did Peter by inspiration declare to be the
foundation-stone upon which the church is built?
1 Peter 2: 2-8.
11.
What power and authority did Jesus promise
unto Peter in common with the other disciples? Matt.
16:19 ; Luke 11 : 52; Matt. 23 : 13. Note 5.
12.
Describe the healing of the blind men of Beth:
saida. Mark 8: 22-26.
13.
With what did Jesus begin now to acquaint His
disciples? Matt. 16: 21.
14.
How did Peter receive Christ's words regarding
His coming trial and death at Jerusalem? Verse 22.
15.
With what words did Jesus rebuke Peter? Verse
23.
Note 6. -
16.
What xule for discipleship did Jesus at this time
lay down? Verse 24.
17.
If one selfishly clings to the life of this world,
what is the result? If yielded in loving service for God
and His fellow men, what will be the result? Verse 2o.
18.
What comparison did Jesus make in His estimate
of the worth of a soul? Verse 26.
19.
What will govern Christ in administering rewards
when. He shall come in His glory? Verse 27.
Notes.
1. Jesus no doubt expected at this time to see in the hearts
of His disciples some evidence that they truly grasped His di-
vine mission. The shadows of the cross were beginning to fall
upon His pathway. His disciples had witnessed many of His
mighty works, and their interpretation of what He had said about
the leaven of the Pharisees was evidence that they but faintly coin-
30
SABBATH-SCHOOL UESSON QUARTERLY .
prehended who was daily in their presence. They failed to grasp
and hold the truth that they had with them the Creator of all
things — Him who had only to "speak" and it "stood fast."
Jesus apparently from this time on sought especially to impress the
disciples with His divine mission, thus preparing them for the
dark scenes of His trial and crucifixion which were just before
Him at Jerusalem.
2.
Jesus approached the question of His divine Sonship with
great caution. He knew that upon this question hung the destiny
of a world; that around this truth the storm of the ages was
already gathering, and would soon burst in relentless fury. Satan
had assailed this point in the wilderness of temptation with,
"If
Thou be the Son of God.'' Jesus knew His foe, and the
strength of the temptation awaiting the disciples upon this point.
He desired to prepare them for it while He was still with them.
3.
"From the first, Peter had believed Jesus to be the
Messiah. Many others . . . now doubted that Jesus was the
Messiah for whom they had looked so long. Many of the disci-
ples who had ardently expected Jesus to take His place on David's
throne, left Him when they perceived that He had no such in-
tention." "On this day, before they were brought face to face
with the great trial of their faith, the Holy Spirit rested upon
them in power. For a little time their eyes were turned away
from 'the things which are seen,' to behold 'the things which are
not seen.' Beneath the guise of humanity they discerned the
glory of the Son of God."—
"Desire of Ages," pages 411, 412.
4.
"Upon this rock.— This true confession of thine, that I am
the Messiah, conic to reveal and communicate the living God, that
the dead, lost world may be saved — upon this very rock, Myself,
thus confessed (alluding probably to Ps. 118:22 and Isa. 28:16)
will I build My church, My assembly, My congregation, that is,
of persons who are made partakers of this precious faith. Jesus
Christ did not say,
on thee, Peter,
will I build My church, but
changes immediately the form of expression, and says,
upon that
very rock,
to show that He neither addressed Peter nor any other
of the apostles."—Dr.
Adam Clarke.
" 'Thou
art Peter.' "
Petros
in Greek,
Cephas
in Aramaic.
. . .
'And upon this rock [Petra] I will build My church.
Petros
usually means a stone, a piece of rock;
Petra,
the rock in
mass, the foundation rock.'
"—Peloubet.
Th
e American Revised Version reads, "And I also say unto
thee, that thou art Peter [Greek
Petros,
margin], and upon this
rock [Greek,
Petra,
margin] I will build My church; and the
gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."
"Peter was not the rock upon which the church was founded.
The gates of hell did prevail against him when he denied his
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
31
Lord with cursing and swearing. The church was built upon
One against whom the gates of hell could not prevail."—"Desire
of Ages," page 413.
5.
"The keys of the kingdom of heaven" are the words of
Christ. All the words of Holy Scripture are His, and are here
included. These words have power to open and to shut heaven.
They- declare the conditions upon which men are received or re-
jected. Thus the work of those who preach God's word is a savor
of life unto life or of death unto death.. Theirs is a mission
weighted with eternal results.
The Saviour did not commit the work of the Gospel to Peter
individually. At a later time, repeating the words that were
spoken to Peter, He applied them directly to the church. And
the same in substance was spoken also to the twelve as representa-
tives of the body of believers. If Jesus had delegated any
special authority to one of the disciples above the others, we
should not find them so often contending as to who should be
the greatest. They would have submitted to the wish of their
Master, and honored the one whom He had chosen."—Id.
6.
This rebuke of Christ's reveals still more clearly that Peter
was subject to strong delusions from the enemy, and therefore
could not be — which many desire to make of him — the rock
on which Christ built His church. Before the interview was really
over in which Christ commended Peter for His statement con-
cerning the Sonship of his Master, the Lord found it necessary to
rebuke him by saying in the presence of the other disciples, "Get
thee behind Me, Satan." Jesus recognized the deceiver working
through Peter, hence the rebuke.
LESSON X.— The Trans figuration; Healing of
a Demoniac.
DECEMBER 4, 1909.
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Mark 9:1-29.
PARALLEL SCRIPTURES: Matt. 16:28 to 17:21; Luke 9:27-45.
LESSON HELPS: "Desire of Ages," chapters 46, 47; "Spirit
of Prophecy," Vol 2, chapter 28;
Sabbath School Worker.
PLACE: Probably Mt. Hermon. "The reasons for believing
that some part of Hermon was the scene of the transfiguration are:
(1) Jesus and His disciples were in this vicinity within a week of
the transfiguration. (2) Mark 9:30 represents Jesus as passing
32
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
through Galilee after the scene on the mount,' as if He had been
within its limits; while Tabor, the only other site suggested, is
within Galilee. (3) It was a high mountain, more than four
times as high as Tabor. (4) 'It was well suited for the scene by
its height, seclusion, and snowy splendor.' (5) There is no au-
thority in the tradition which favors Mt. Tabor. (6) Tabor
had a Roman fortification and town upon its top in the time of
Christ. "=
Peloubet.
PERSONS: Jesus, Moses, Elias, the disciples; the father and
the afflicted son; the scribes.
Questions.
THE TRANSFIGURATION.
1.
Having called, the people's attention to His sec-
ond coming, what promise did Jesus make ? Mark 8 : 38;
9 : 1.
2.
In fulfilment of this promise, what event took
place a few days later ? How did Jesus appear on
this occasion ? Who of His disciples were with Him ?
Mark 9: 2, 3.
3: Who were present besides the disciples on this
occasion ? Verse 4. Note 1.
4.
What did Peter say to Jesus? Did he fully un-
derstand what he was saying? Why not? Verses 5,
6. Note 2.
5.
What overshadowed them? What did a voice from
the cloud say? Verse 7. Compare 2 Peter
1 :
16-18.
6.
What became of the vision of glory ? Who only
remained Mark 9 : 8.
7.
As they descended from the mount what did Jesus
charge His disciples ? • What did they question among
themselves? Verses 9, 10. Note 3.
8.
What question did the disciples ask Jesus? What
SAI313ATH-SCHOOL I/ESSON QUAILTEItLY
33
was His reply? Verses 11-13. Compare Matt. 17: 10-13;
Luke 1 : 13-17.
HEALING OF A DEMONIAC.
9.
When Jesus came to the other disciples, what did
He find ? What did the people do ? Mark 9 :14, 15.
10.
What question did Jesus ask the scribes? What
explanation did one of the multitude give? Verses
16-18. Note 4.
11.
How did Jesus rebuke the unbelief of the people ?
What command did He give concerning the afflicted
boy ? When he was brought into the presence of Jesus,
what did the spirit that controlled him do? Verses
19, 20.
12.
What question did Jesus ask the father? What
was his reply ? Verses 21, 22.
13.
What did Jesus say to the anxious father? What
earnest response did he make ? Verses 23, 24. Note 5.
14.
How did Jesus rebuke the evil spirit which pos-
sessed the boy? Verse 25. Note .6.
15.
What was the condition of the boy when the spirit
left him? What did Jesus do? Verses 26, 27.
16.
When alone, what question did His disciples ask
Him? What reply did Jesus make? Verses 28, 29.
Note 7.
Notes.
1. This statement of Jesus that some of those present should
not taste of death until they saw the kingdom of God come, no
doubt referred to the Transfiguration. Here was given a repre-
sentation in miniature of the future kingdom and home of God's
people. Jesus, the King, was seen in His glory, Moses stood as
a representative of the resurrected saints (Jude 9), and Elijah
of those who will be translated at the coming of Christ. 1 Thess.
4:16, 17.
34
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
2.
"The cares and troubles of his [Peter's] wandering life,
and all his gloomy forebodings for his Master and himself, had
faded away before such brightness and joy, and, in his fond,
childlike simplicity, he dreamed of lengthening out the delight."
— Geikie.
Jesus does not desire that His people shall live in solitude
like monks. He desires that they mingle with the world lost in
sin, and carry to the people the glad news of salvation.
3.
"Questioning one with another what the rising from the
dead should mean." Had the disciples not been filled with' their
own false notions, they would have believed the
words
of Jesus,
and His
meaning
would have been clear. This explains why many
fail to understand the scripture.
4.
"The words of Christ pointing to His death, had brought
sadness and doubt. And the selection of the three disciples to
accompany Jesus to the mountain had excited the jealousy of the
nine. Instead of strengthening their faith by prayer and medi-
tation on the words of Christ, they had been dwelling upon their
discouragements and personal grievances. In this state of darkness
they had undertaken the conflict with Satan."—"Desire
of
Ages," page 430.
5.
The Revised Version reads, "And Jesus said unto him, If
thou canst! All things are possible • to him. that believeth."
Rotherham's Translation reads, "And Jesus said to him, As for
this, 'if it be possible to thee,' Why! all things are possible to
him who has faith."
"If thou canst." Jesus repeated the words of the father
in gentle rebuke for his unbelief, and then encouraged him to
believe.
6.
Note the words, "Enter no more into him." Jesus does
not intend that our victories over Satan shall be only temporary.
7.
"This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and
fasting." It requires a special struggle to overcome some of
our besetting sins. But when we become sufficiently earnest in the
work of gaining the victory over our shortcomings that we will
with continued prayer and fasting seek the Lord for victory, we
shall obtain it.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
35
LESSON. XI.— Jesus Foretells His Death; Provides
Tribute Money; Teaches Humility.
DECEMBER 11, 1909.
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Matt. 17:22 to 18:10.
PARALLEL TESTS: Mark 9:31-50; Luke 9:43-50.
LESSON HELPS: "Desire of Ages," chapter 48;
Sabbath
School Worker.
PLACES: Galilee; Capernaum.
PERSONS: Jesus; the disciples; the tax-collectors; a little
child.
Questions.
JESUS FORTELLS HIS DEATH.
1.
While Jesus and His disciples were. in Galilee,
what events did He foretell? Did the disciples under-
stand what Jesus meant? What only prevented their
understanding? Matt. 17 : 22, 23; Luke 9 : 45. Note 1.
PROVIDES TRIBUTE MONEY.
2.
On reaching Capernaum, what question did the
tax-collectors ask Peter? Matt. 17 : 24.
3.
What reply did Peter make? When he came to
the house, what questions did Jesus ask him? Verse
25. Note 2.
4.
Of whom did Peter say it was proper to receive
tribute money for the temple ? Who did Jesus say
Were then free? Verse 26:
5.
That no offense should be given, what instruction
did Jesus give Peter ? What added testimony was thus
given by this miracle that Jesus was the Messiah? Verse
27. Note 3.
36
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
HUMILITY.
6.
What question did the disciples ask Jesus at this
time? Give His reply ? Matt. 18 : 1-3.
7.
Who did Jesus say should be greatest in the king-
dom of heaven? What would result to the one . who
should desire to be first? Verse 4; Mark 9 : 35.
8.
In seeking to 'be first, whose example does one
follow 1 Isa. 14: 12-14.
9.
Who has set the example in true humility ? Phil.
2 5-8.
10.
What promise is made to those who receive a
little child in
Jesus'
name? What does Jesus say about
offending one of these little ones? Matt. 18: 5, 6.
.11. In a world where selfishness reigns, what is sure
to come? What warning does Jesus give His followers
about
giving
offense ? Verse 7. Note. 4. '
. 12: How did Jesus seek to impress His disciples with
the importance of putting away every cause for offense?
Verses 8, 9. Note 5.
13.
What caution did Jesus give regarding His little
ones? How is the least believer represented in heaven?
Verse 10.
14.
What will preserve one from self-exaltation?
Rom. 12:3.
15.
What should ever be our attitude toward others ?
Verse 10.
Notes.
1. It was because the disciples were at strife among them-
selves as to who should be greatest, that the real truth concerning
the events to transpire at Jerusalem was hidden from them.
They might have known, but they still held to the Jewthh idea
that the Messiah
must establish a temporal kingdom at Jerusalem.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
37
They were so busy with anticipation as to their own future place
of authority in the hew administration of affairs, that they had
no desire for the unwelcome truth Jesus began to unfold to them
regarding His sufferings and death.
2.
"Peter saw in the collector's question an insinuation touch-
ing Christ's loyalty to the temple. Zealous for his Master's honor,
he hastily answered, without consulting Him, that Jesus would
pay the tribute. But Peter only partially comprehended the pur-
pose of his questioner. There were some classes who were held
to be exempt from the payment of the tribute. . . . In the days
of Christ the priests and Levites were still regarded as especially
devoted to the temple, snit were not required to make the annual
contribution for its support. Prophets also were exempted from
this payment. In requiring the tribute for Jesus, the rabbis were
setting aside His claim as a prophet or teacher, and were dealing
with Him as with any commonplace person. A refusal on His
part to pay the' tribute would be represented as disloyalty to the
temple; while, on the other hand, the payment of it would be
taken as justifying their rejection of Him as a prophet. Only
a little before, Peter had acknowledged Jesus as the Son of God;
but he now missed an opportunity of setting forth the character
of his Master. By his answer to the collector, that Jesus would pay
the tribute, he had virtually sanctioned the false conception of
Him to which the priests and rulers were trying to give currency."
—"Desire of Ages," page 433.
This tribute money should not be confounded with the Roman
taxes. It was levied by the Jewish rulers upon their own people
for the support of the temple and its service. For instruction to
Christians regarding the support of civil powers, see Rom. 13:1-6.
3.
"If Jesus had paid the tribute without a protest
;
He would
virtually have acknowledged the justice of the claim, and
-
cycloid
thus have denied His divinity. But. while He saw good to meet
the demand, He denied the claim upon which it was based. In
providing for the payment of the tribute He gave evidence of His
divine character. It was made manifest that He was one with
God, and therefore was not under tribute as a mere subject of the
kingdom."—"Desire
of Ages," page 434.
•
4. Self-seeking, born of selfishness, is sure to cause offense.,
Christ's example condemns this spirit in all His followers. "In
honor preferring one onother," is the standard for the Christian
believer. "Lucifer had said, 'I will be like the Most High;'
and the desire for self-exaltation bad brought strife into the
heavenly courts, and had banished a multitude of the hosts of
God. Had Lueifer really desired to be like the Most High, he
would never have deserted his appointed place in heaven; for the
Spirit of the Most High is manifested in unselfish ministry. Lu-
38
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
cifer desired God's power, but not His character. He sought for
himself the highest place [the very thing the disciples at this
time were doing], and every being who is actuated by his spirit
will do the same. Thus alienation, discord, and strife will be
inevitable."—"Desire
of Ages," page 435, 436.
5. "Men often part with some member of the body, at the
discretion of a surgeon, that they may preserve the trunk, and
die a little later; and yet they will not deprive themselves of a
look, a touch, a small, pleasure, which endanger the eternal death
of the soul." "We must shut our senses against dangerous ob-
jects to avoid the occasions of sin, and deprive ourselves of all
that is most dear and profitable to us, in order to save our souls, •
when we find
that these dear and profitable things, however in-
nocent in themselves,
cause us to sin against God,
or lead our
hearts away from Him."—
Dr. Adam Clarke.
LESSON XII.— The Lost Sheep; Gaining Thy Brother;
Reckoning with Servants; 'the Feast .at Jerusalem.
DECEMBER 18, 1909.
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Matt. 18:11-35; John 7:2-10; Luke
9:51-56.
LESSON HELPS: "Desire of Ages," chapters 49, 53; Christ 's
Object Lessons," pages 243-254;
Sabbath School Worker.
PLACES: Capernaum ; through Samaria.
Questions.
1.
What was the mission of Jesus to this world ?
Matt. 18 : 11; Luke 9 : 56. Compare Luke 19 : 10.
2.
What parable does Jesus give by, which to illus-
trate His mission to the world ? Matt. 18 : 12, 13.
3.
What conclusion are we to draw from the shep-
herd's love and care for Ms sheep ? Verse 14. Note 1.
GAINING THY BROTHER.
4.
If a brother trespass against us, what should we
do? Verse 15.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
39
5.
If our first effort toward reconciliation fails, what
is the next step? Verse 16. Note 2.
6.
If we still fail in effecting a reconciliation, where
next may the matter be brought? If the judgment of
the church is disregarded, what should be done? Verse
17. Note 3.
7.
If we do as the Lord has directed in the matter,
what will be done in heaven? Verses 18-20. Note 4.
8.
What question did Peter ask touching this ques-
tion ? What reply did Jesus make ? Verses 21, 22.
RECKONING WITH SERVANTS.
9.
By means of a parable to what did 4sus liken
the kingdom of heaven ? Verse 23.
10.
In what trouble was one of the servants involved?
What did the servant do ? What did the king do ?
Verses 24-27.
11.
What did this forgiven servant then do? What
request did his creditor make ? How did he treat his
plea for mercy ? Verses 28-30.
12.
What followed as a result of the unforgiving
spirit manifested? Verses 31-34. Note 5.
13.
What lesson did our Lord design we should learn
from this parable ? Verse 35. Note 6.
THE FEAST AT JERUSALEM.
14.
What Jewish feast was now near at hand? What
did His brethren, or kinsmen, urge Him to do? Did they
themselves believe on Him? John 7 : 2-5.
15.
What reason did Jesus give why it was not wise
for Him to go to the feast? What did He urge His
40
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
brethren to do? Where did Jesus still abide ? Verses
6-9.
16.
After the departure of His brethren, what did
Jesus do ? Verse 10; Luke 9 : 51.
17.
Whom did He send before Him? What was the
attitude of the Samaritans toward Him? Why ? Luke
9: 52, 53. Note 7.
18.
Being grieved because of their refusal to receive
Jesus, what did James and John ask? How did Jesus
rebuke them? What did He say He had come to do?
Verses 54-56.
Notes.
1.
The world is the one lost sheep of the universe. To save
the world, cut off as it was from heaven by sin, Jesus gave His
life. For every sinner, therefore, there is hope. However far
we may have strayed from the fold, we can be assured that the
great Shepherd of the sheep is seeking for us.
2.
"Go and tell him his fault between thee and him
alone."
"If he will not hear thee, then take with thee
one
or
two
more."
The Lord desires that alienation between brethren and all dif-
ficulties in the church should be kept within as small a circle
as possible. "An earnest effort should be made in every church
to put away evil-speaking and a censorious spirit as among the
sins productive of the greatest evils in the church. Severity and
fault-finding must be rebuked as the workings of Satan. Mutual
love and confidence must be encouraged and strengthened in the
members of the church. Let all, in the fear of God and with love
to their brethren, close their ears to gossip and censure." "If
a brother is supposed to have erred, his brethren and sisters
should not whisper it among themselves and comment upon it,
magnifying these supposed errors and faults. Much of this work
is done, and the result is, the displeasure of God Tests upon those
who do it, and Satan exults that he can weaken and annoy those
who might be strong in the Lord."—"Testimonies,"
Vol. 5, pages
609, 615.
3.
The Lord here clearly teaches the necessity of maintaining
the purity and order of the church. The place for heathen men
and publicans is outside, not inside, of the church. When they
have been separated from the church, our duty, then, aS Christians
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
41
is to continue to labor for their conversion that they may be con-
verted and again brought into the church from which they have
been separated.
Some claim that to disfellowship a member is the spirit of the
Papacy. While it is possible to do the right thing in an arbitrary
manner, disciplining church-members because their lives are a re-•
proach to the church, is just the reverse of the work of the Papacy.
The papal church, so far as we know, does not discipline mem-
bers because they practise sin.
"He who is unforgiving, cuts off the very channel through
which alone he can receive mercy from God. We should not
think that unless those who have injured us confess the wrong,
we are justified in withholding from theM our forgiveness. It is
their part, no doubt, to humble their hearts by repentance and
confession; but we are to have a spirit of compassion toward those
who have trespassed against us, whether or not they confess their
faults. However sorely they may have wounded us, we are not to
cherish our grievances, and sympathiie with ourselves over our
injuries; but as we hope to be pardoned for our offenses against
God, we are to pardon all who have done evil to us."—"Mount
of Blessing," pages 158, 159.
4.
If the church on earth follows the instruction of Christ in
dealing with offenses, we are assured that the decision will be
ratified in heaven. This is a serious thought for the church itself
as well as for the offending members.
5.
"Every one who has been free to condemn or discourage,
will in his own experience -be brought over the ground where he
has caused others to pass; will feel what they have suffered be-
cause of his want of sympathy and tenderness."—"Mount
of
Blessing," page 185.
6.
We,
like the servant in the parable, because of sin were ten
thousand talents in debt. But when we came to Jesus and asked
forgiveness, He freely forgave us the whole debt. The offense of
those who may have done us wrong is but a hundred pence .as
compared with our debt to God. If. the Lord has so freely for-
given us the ten thousand talents, ought we not freely to forgive
the hundred pence? Every truly forgiven soul will forgive_,
others. "
-
But--if-ye_forgive not-men their- trespasses, neither
-will-your heavenly Father forgive - your - trespasses.
Matt:
-
6:15
7.
" The people refused to receive Him [Jesus], because He
was on His way to Jerusalem. This they interpreted as meaning
that Christ showed a preference for the Jews, whom they hated
with intense bitterness. Had He come to restore the temple and
worship upon Mount Gerizim, they would gladly have received
Him; but He was going to 'Jerusalem, and they would show Him
nohospitality."—"Desire
of Ages," page 487.
•
42
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
LESSON XIII.— Test of Discipleship; the Seventy
Sent. Forth; the Impenitent Cities; Ten
Lepers Cleansed.
DECEMBER 25, 1909.
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Luke 9 : 57 to 10 :16 ; 17 : 11-19.
PARALLEL SCRIPTURES:
Matt. 8 :19-22 ; 11:20-24:
LESSON HELPS:
"Desire of Ages," chapter 53;
Sabbath'
School Worker.
PLACES:
Samaria, Galilee, Chorazin, Bethsaida, Tyre, Sidon,
Capernaum. (Locate on map the cities mentioned.)_
•
PERSONS:
Jesus;
the twelve; the seventy; the ten lepers.
TEST OF DISCIPLESHIP.
1. As Jesus was on His way to the feast with His
disciples, what did a certain man say to Him ? Luke
9 : 57.
2.. What answer did Jesus make ? Verse 58. " Com-
pare 2 Cor. 8: 9. Note 1.
3.
What call to service did He give to another?
What excuse was given for refusing the invitation?
How did Jesus further urge him to follow Him ? Luke
9 : 59, 60. Note- 2.
4.
What invitation was extended to another? What
excuse did He offer? Verse 61..
5.
What unfits one for a place in the kingdom of
God? Verse 62.
THE SEVENTY SENT FORTH.
6.
Whom besides the twelve disciples did Jesus choose
for His work ? How were they sent forth ? Where were
they sent ? Luke 10 :1.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
43
7. What did 'He say concerning the greatness of their
work? Verse 2.
•
8. What personal instruction did He give them re-.
garding their labors? Verses 3-9.
9.
If they were not received by the people, what were
they to do ? What would
.
be
the awful result to the -
city which rejected their message? Verses 10-12. Note 3.
IMPENITENT CITIES.
10.
Upon what cities did Jesus utter a woe '? How
great will be their condemnation in the Judgment ?
Why ? - Verses 13, 14. Note 4.
11.
What did He say concerning proud Capernaum ?
Verse 15.
12.
How closely did Jesus identify Himself with the
message and work of those whom. He sent forth as' la-
borers in His
-
vineyard ? Verse 16.
THE LEPERS CLEANSED.
13.
Through what countries did Jesus pass on His
way to Jerusalem to attend the feast? Luke 17 : 11.
14.
As He entered into a certain village, who met
Him ? What did they ask ? verses 12, 13.
15.
What did He tell them to do ? As they went, what
miracle was wrought? Verse 14.
16.
How many . of those healed gave thanks for the
blesSngs received ? Of what nation was he ? Verses
15, 16.
17.
What did Jesus say concerning their ingratitude?
What cheering words did He speak to the Samaritan
who returned and gave thanks? Verses 17-19. Note 5.
44
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
Notes.
1.
Jesus no doubt saw that this offer to follow Him was
prompted by a desire for personal gain. In placing before
him His own poverty and sacrifice to save man, He revealed the
life of toil and sacrifice of all who truly follow Him.
2.
This does not seem to be a request simply to attend the
funeral of a father, then dead. The father might live for years.
But when the fathe
r
dies, and the estate is divided, and all
temporal matters fixed up, then the son will follow the command
to go and preach the Gospel. All this, and more, seems to be
implied in this answer. Temporal things first; spiritual things
secondary. Many to-day are making the same mistake.
3
.
. Worse than Sodom! And why? Simply because they re-
jected the message of light and salvation sent to them.. No
more forceful statement could be made of the terrible conse-
quences of failing to receive_the Gospel and to walk in the light.
4.
While the people of these cities were generally impenitent,
yet, three of the disciples—Philip, Andrew, and Peter — came
from Bethsaida, upon which a woe is here pronounced. John 1:44.
"More tolerable," If we are lost, our condemnation in the
Judgment and final punishment will depend upon the amount of
light we have rejected.
5.
How many there are, who, like the lepers, receive blessings
continually from the hand of the Lord, and yet fail to return and
give thanks to Him. Israel
-
of 'old
-
"
which-had
-
done great
-
things
-
in Egypt."
--
instead
-
they
-44-
riTur
-
--
mured-in-their ' tents,
-
and` hearkened
- -
not
-
unto -the-vaice-lof
-
the-
Lord:"
-
" If we would give more expression to our faith,' rejoice
more in the blessings that we know we have,— the great mercy and
love of God,— we should haye more faith and greater joy. No
tongue can express, no finite mind can conceive, the blessing
that results from appreciating the goodness and love of God.
—"Ministry of Healing," pages 252, 253.
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